Diary

Events

Resilience to climate violence and socio-economic development in Haïti

Since 2013, the Sustainable Development Program of the Limbé’s watershed (PAD Nord) has been contributing to improve the living conditions of rural populations in a context of great environmental and socio-economic fragility.

Major flooding was recently caused by hurricanes Irma and José, which emphasizes the fragility of North-Haitian context.

These floods are intensified by the surrounding landforms which are highly degraded due to strong deforestation: consequently, rainwater often create torrents of mud degrading even more these lands and causing considerable damage to the soil downstream.

Therefore, one of the PAD Nord program challenges is to limit the disastrous consequences of climate violence by protecting and restoring these fragile areas. To this end, it helps to improve and sustainably develop the Limbé catchment area (approximately 300 km2), taking into account the development of the agricultural sector and the protection of natural resources (soil, water and biodiversity). Over 700 small farms are involved. Agroecological practices implemented by farm families and their organizations ensure technical, economic and environmental performance.

Jean-Baptiste testifies to the positive impact of anti-erosion installations in the town of Acul Jeannot (video in french):

The PAD Nord program also supports communities to access drinking water through a specific approach based on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This approach ensures at the same time the need for drinking water and agricultural water while preserving the watershed that collects rainwater.

This is the case of the rural community of Lombard, where about 20 hectares of the watershed was built to secure the source and infrastructure while maintaining an efficient agricultural activity in order to ensure sustainable income.

Through the coordination of several partners (including technical water services) and the involvement of the Lombard community, 400 families (2,000 people) now enjoy sustainable access to safe drinking water, in quality and quantity, with an appropriate management approach involving the various stakeholders of the operation.

Thus, beyond the rehabilitation of the drinking water supply network, the slope areas are protected against erosion and the living conditions of these rural populations are sustainably improved.